Italy’s Susin Is Back in the Swim Under FINA’s New Eased Doping Rule

ROME, October 2. ITALY'S VIVIAN SUSIN, suspended for four years after a doping violation, was reinstated on Tuesday by the Italian Swimming Federation (FIN) after her penalty was reduced to two years.

The action is the latest in a series of penalty reductions that resulted from FINA's adoption of less stringent doping penalties. FINA was pressured to adopt the new universal doping penalties by the IOC and WADA at its Congress in Barcelona in July.

Susin, Italy's top female sprinter, may return to competition immediately, a FIN spokesman said, as she was originally given a four-year ban in 2000.

Susin, 31, commented: "I already knew about this opportunity. I feel happy for myself and for the other athletes [affected by the new FINA rule].

Susin, who has continued training throughout her suspension, has not competed since March 2000. "It will be intersting to see how my body reacts. I plan to evaluate my future soon."